Creating a Church Revitalization Residency at the Greenville Baptist Association in Greenville, South Carolina

Abstract

This project is designed to create a church revitalization residency at the Greenville Baptist Association in Greenville, South Carolina. The goal for creating a residency such as this is to give a future revitalization pastor the necessary academic, practical, and spiritual training needed to help an unhealthy church once again become vibrant.

Chapter 1 introduces the context where the residency will be located, along with the rationale, purpose, goals, research methodologies, definitions, and delimitations of the project. Chapter 2 describes the biblically given paradigm for church revitalization (Rev 2) and how the restoration of a church exemplifies the power of the gospel (Ezek 37:1-14). Chapter 3 describes the requirements for successfully revitalizing dying churches, including refocusing the church on the spiritual disciplines, a multi-year strategy, gospel-centered ministries and missions, and a well-prepared under shepherd to lead them through the process. Chapter 4 describes the details of the project. Chapter 5 concludes with an evaluation of the project.